Valeri Bure

Lore & Background

Valeri Bure was born in Moscow, the younger son of Vladimir Bure, an Olympic swimmer who won four medals for the Soviet Union. His family had a noble history as watchmakers for Russian tsars. Bure left the Soviet Union in 1991 to play junior hockey in the Western Hockey League (WHL) for the Spokane Chiefs, becoming the first Russian player in the league's history. He recorded 147 points in 1992–93, finishing second in WHL scoring, and his 68 goals that season remains a Chiefs franchise record.

Bure was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1992 NHL entry draft. He made his NHL debut in 1995 and was traded to the Calgary Flames in 1998. In Calgary, his offensive ability emerged; he led the team in goals and points in 1999–2000 and was the only Flame to play all 82 games. He was named to the World team at the 2000 All-Star Game, where he played on a line with his brother Pavel. Bure later played for the Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, and Dallas Stars before retiring in 2005 due to back and hip injuries.

Internationally, Bure represented Russia, winning a bronze medal at the 1994 World Junior Championship and two Olympic medals: silver in 1998 and bronze in 2002. After hockey, he and his wife, actress Candace Cameron Bure, operate Bure Family Wines in St. Helena, California.

Reader's Guide

Valeri Bure's significance lies in his role as a leading scorer for the Calgary Flames during a transitional period for the franchise. His 1999–2000 season, in which he recorded 35 goals and 75 points, made him the team's top offensive player and the only Flame to play every game that year. That season also saw Bure and his brother Pavel set an NHL record for most goals by a pair of siblings, with 93 combined. Bure's speed and skating ability were key to his success, and he was recognized with an All-Star Game appearance in 2000.

Bure's career was marked by both achievement and injury. After leaving Calgary, he struggled with knee ailments that limited his playing time with Florida and St. Louis. His legacy includes being the first Russian player in WHL history and a two-time Olympic medalist for Russia. Off the ice, Bure transitioned to winemaking, operating Bure Family Wines with his wife. His career reflects the challenges of playing in the shadow of a superstar brother while carving out his own notable NHL tenure.

Did You Know?

• Valeri Bure was the first Russian player in WHL history.
• He and his brother Pavel set an NHL record with 93 combined goals in 1999–2000.
• Bure led the Calgary Flames in scoring with 35 goals and 75 points in 1999–2000.
• He won Olympic silver in 1998 and bronze in 2002 with Russia.